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Sad loss of a remarkable man

Thursday 28 February 2019

It is with great sadness that we report the death of our Executive Vice President and former Chairman John McMeeking MBE.

John passed away peacefully at home in February after a short period of illness. Until shortly before his death, John, who was first elected to the Trust’s Council in December 1968, remained actively involved in our work, attending committee meetings, advising and supporting staff and Trustees, helping proof read our Members’ newsletters and bird ringing at his beloved Treswell Wood where he started the ringing programme in December 1972.

John McMeeking and Neil bird ringing

John served as Chairman of the Trust between 1989 and 1994, a period which saw significant income growth and increased investment in our nature reserves across the County. Whilst Chairman John was awarded an MBE for services to nature conservation and in 2001 he was presented with the aptly named Treswell Award by Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust for his exceptional contribution. This was followed in 2003 by The Christopher Cadbury Medal; presented by the Royal Society for Wildlife Trusts in recognition of his outstanding contribution to both nature conservation and The Wildlife Trusts.

The citation for his Cadbury Medal referenced not only John’s role in establishing many of our nature reserves but his knowledge, dedication, unfailing wisdom, courtesy and kindness

Those lucky enough to have known and worked with John won’t be surprised that his approach and manner in dealing with people was cited together with the impact of his work.

As one colleague who worked with John for many years remarked, John’s death represents the ‘Sad loss of a remarkable man’. He will be truly missed.

Memorial Service

A Memorial Service for John will take place on Tuesday12th March, 1pm, at St Andrew’s with Castle Gate URC Church (Goldsmith St, Nottingham NG1 5JT).